Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Aug 20: Damaged last September, the vital bridge of Abu Bakar Lane in the Bathindi area of Jammu remains unrepaired, causing significant hardship for local residents.
The residents told Excelsior that for nearly a year, they have been enduring difficulties due to the authorities’ failure to carry out the necessary repairs.
“It all happened on September 14 last year, when heavy rains caused the water level of the canal to rise, leading to severe damage to the bridge and a few other structures,” said Ashraf Ahmad, a resident.
The residents reported that after the bridge was damaged, there was a considerable delay in assessing the damage and taking the necessary steps for repairs.
“Initially, the departments were shifting responsibility, forcing us to run from pillar to post to get our issue resolved. Eventually, the R&B Department floated a tender in March this year, but we have yet to see any work being carried out.”
The residents noted that since the damage occurred, they have made temporary repairs on their own, but these were washed away whenever it rained.
“We have repeatedly reached out to the officials of the concerned department, but we have not received any response,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, another resident.
Officials of the R&B Department told Excelsior that the work on the bridge has been allotted to a contractor, but due to intermittent rains, it has not fully started.
“The work can only begin once the rains are over; if it starts now, it could endanger other structures because the entire foundation of the bridge needs to be reconstructed,” an official explained.
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